Amazon Rainforest Loss May Drastically Impact Climate Change

Amazon rainforest losses may actually be worsening climate change. Scientists have found that as trees are cut down and removed, the carbon dioxide that's released could have a major impact on our environment.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to grow. This can help offset fossil fuel emissions. At the same time, though, cutting down trees can actually increase the amount of this gas in the atmosphere.

In this latest study, the researchers created maps to show what size the Amazon would be today if humans hadn't deforested it. They used virtual models to see how the rainforest changed in earlier decades.

They found that if deforestation hadn't occurred, the rainforest would store 12 percent more carbon in its vegetation and cover a much larger area. That said, the Amazon still helps offset emissions.

"Our study indicates that the impact of large-scale deforestation on the Amazon carbon balance has been partially offset by ongoing regrowth of vegetation, despite sustained human activity," said Jean-Francois Exbrayat, the lead researcher, in a news release. "Overall, our results provide a baseline to better understand the global carbon cycle."

With that said, deforestation of the Amazon continues. Deforestation of the Amazon accounted for 1.5 percent of the increase in carbon dioxide levels seen since the mid-nineteenth century.

The findings reveal that destruction of the Amazon rainforest could have a major impact on climate. In fact, it already has helped contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By that same token, though, preserving this region could help make our planet more flexible in the face of climate change.

The findings are published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

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